Aussie Open is not a psychological barrier: Murray

10 Jan 2017 - 20:02

Andy Murray

AFP

London: Andy Murray says he does not have a mental block when it comes to the Australian Open despite losing the final of the opening Grand Slam of the season five times.
The 29-year-old world number one – whose season opened with a defeat in the Qatar Open to Novak Djokovic – told The Times in an interview he had also pondered over whether he should accept the knighthood he received in the New Year's Honours list.
Murray, who is in Australia preparing for next week's Aussie Open, is adamant he no longer has issues over tournaments he has yet to win.
"I don't feel like I have mental hurdles now," said Murray. "I feel like I'm past that, to be honest.
"I just go there and give my best to win. So long as I give my best effort, I don't judge myself or feel like I've failed here (Melbourne) or anything like that."
Murray, who had a memorable year in 2016 becoming Britain's first tennis number one of the professional era and won Wimbledon and defended his Olympic singles title, admitted he had conferred with those closest to him – but not his brother Jamie – over whether to accept the knighthood when he was offered it in the middle of December.
"I spoke to a few of the people closest to me. I didn't have too long, but obviously you think about something like that because I do feel like it's obviously a big honour to be offered that, but with that comes maybe a little bit more responsibility," said Murray.
"I'm still very young, I'm still competing and obviously don't want anything to distract me or affect my performance on the court."
"I kept it fairly quiet and just spoke to the people that I was closest with and explained what the situation was. I just tried to get the best advice possible."
Murray is clear, though, how he wishes to be addressed by his rivals on the circuit.
"A few of the players have been chatting to me about it and asking how it works, what does it mean and what do we call you," Murray said.